It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 3rd International Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (IRSSSH) 2020 with the theme “Advances in Social Sciences and Humanities: Challenges and Opportunities” to be held on 22nd and 23rd of January 2021 at the auditorium of the University Grants Commission, Colombo. It is a great challenge for us to conduct an International Conference under the COVID 19 pandemic situation where all functions should be conducted according to the health regulations.

The proceedings contain 99 research papers that are mainly the research findings of NCAS beneficiaries. There were over 300 research papers submitted to the IRSSSH 2020 and after a peer review by experts in the relevant field, 180 papers were accepted for oral presentation at the symposium. I strongly believe that innovative research culture should be introduced to all sectors including Humanities and Social Sciences blended with other branches in order to improve the quality of life of human beings. We at the NCAS promote and open its windows for innovative research ideas that will address the social problems in the country. This conference will be a good platform for innovators to disseminate their findings and receive feedback from their peers. Dissemination of Knowledge is another platform that transforms the “generated Knowledge” to the destination where it is actually required and implemented.

I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Education, Professor G.L. Peiris for all the support extended to the NCAS in all our activities and to Professor K. Kapila C.K. Perera, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education for his assistance and guidance. I would also be thankful to Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, the Chairman, University Grants Commission for his valuable contribution and sincere thanks to the Keynote Speaker, Emeritus Professor Siri Hettige for reserving time to be with us and sharing his valuable experience. My heartfelt gratitude to Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, the Conference Chair of the Symposium for all the hard work, dedication and commitment towards the success of this event. I am thankful to the symposium committee and all the members of staff at the NCAS for their great contribution towards making this event a reality and my big congratulations to all presenters of this symposium.